Saranac Lake Wild Forest 📍

The Saranac Lakes Wild Forest (SLWF) is 79,000 acres of state land in Franklin and Essex Counties. It is situated near the communities of Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Lake Placid.

The unit offers many recreational opportunities, including but not limited to hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, mountain biking, canoeing, hunting, and fishing. Popular hiking attractions include Scarface and Panther Mountains, Fernow Nature Trail, and the Lake Placid Peninsula Nature Trails.

Many people enjoy boating and camping on Upper, Middle and Lower Saranac Lakes.

🗺️ Maps 🖼️ Photos
Thematic Map: Critical Environmental Areas in New York State
Map: Empire State Topography

Quiet on Fish Creek

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Much of the creek actually was paddle-able which surprised me with the drought conditons. I could have made it down to Little Square Pond and beyond, if I wanted to drag the kayak through a few sand bars but it was much too cold for that.

Saturday October 18, 2025 — Floodwood Pond Loop — Floodwood Pond 🗺
Map: Empire State Topography
Map: Ohisa State Forest
SVGZ Graphic: Rensselaer County 2021 Enrollments